Sean O’Malley’s triumphant performance at UFC 292 impressed Ryan Garcia but prompted the 28-year-old fighter to sound a cautionary note. O’Malley’s remarkable upset against Aljamain Sterling in the main event of UFC 292 in Boston crowned him as the new bantamweight champion, defying the odds.
Ryan Garcia, along with many others, was a keen observer of the match, and it’s safe to say he was pretty taken with O’Malley’s display. Garcia promptly took to Twitter and expressed his enthusiasm, writing, “SUGA SEAN TOO LIT AH.”
Following the fight, “Sugar” Sean O’Malley openly declared his intentions. He aimed to secure a December rematch with Marlon Vera in Las Vegas. Yet, he also disclosed his aspirations to follow Conor McGregor’s footsteps by stepping into the boxing arena in the future.
He expressly set his sights on the undefeated lightweight sensation, Gervonta Davis, and boldly stated, “I also wouldn’t mind knocking out Gervonta Davis… that fight is going to happen.”
“I also wouldn’t mind knocking out Gervonta Davis.” – Sean O Malley
Idk bro, in boxing? I see broken ribs. #UFC #UFC292 #Boxing.#MMA pic.twitter.com/ouVHAMKsEX
— Abe (@AbeMorales209) August 20, 2023
While O’Malley’s star continues to rise and he gains more prominence in the mainstream, the possibility of such a match isn’t far-fetched. However, the immediate focus remains on O’Malley’s performance in the bantamweight division.
Ryan Garcia issues a warning to the new UFC champion
In response, Ryan Garcia issued a word of caution to O’Malley regarding his boxing ambitions. He bluntly advised, “SUGA Sean, you are good and all, but stop talking about this ‘I’m going to box stuff.’ You’ll just get knocked out.” This provoked a retort from O’Malley, who playfully alluded to Garcia’s knockout loss to Davis earlier in the year: “Like you did or different?”
SUGA Sean you are good and all
But stop talking about this I’m going to box stuff
You’ll just get knocked out.
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) August 20, 2023
Garcia defended his position by highlighting the distinct nature of the two sports and proposed demonstrating this through a boxing match against O’Malley. He retorted, “Boxing and MMA are two different sports, and if you need a reminder, let me know. I’ll gladly do a tune-up for my return fight.”
Boxing and MMA are two different sports and if you need a reminder let me know I’ll gladly do a tune up for my return fight. https://t.co/4LNaOd8Q7o
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) August 20, 2023
When questioned by a fan about his sudden change in stance, Garcia attributed it to O’Malley’s past callouts, stating, “He’s been calling me out lol, and now he said he wants to knock out boxers. I like how he fights, but he’s tripping.”
Undoubtedly, O’Malley showcases exceptional skills in the UFC and is regarded as one of the top strikers. However, if he were to face a top-tier boxer like Davis or Garcia, the outcome would likely parallel McGregor’s boxing endeavor. Regardless, the allure of witnessing such matchups is undeniable, ensuring audiences will remain intrigued.
